Cyrano de Bergerac<br>
By Edmond Rostand<br>
Review by ViBer Kirstie Gregory <br><br>

Ah Love! Sigh! Passion! Swoon! L'amour and le war (la guerre, strictly speaking) contrast magnificently in this drama which attains that rare achievement of being fascinatingly of it's time and achingly relevant today. Edmund Rostand's nineteenth century play explores the dangers and rewards of personal integrity, enduring passion, virtue, truth and deception. The main subject being the value of inner beauty versus it's more shallow outer appearance. <br><br>

Sounds potentially sombre and sobering - and it is - but the levity and humour of the fabulously witty Cyrano make for an at once moving and hilarious performance. Cyrano, cursed with a carrot-like nose but blessed with a rapier wit and the skills of a first class musketeer, simmers with a charisma edged with danger, fueled by his unspoken love for the beautiful Roxane. <br><br>

Despite his misery he makes it his mission to make her happy by helping the chances of the handsome but dim young cadet she has fallen for at first sight. If the wonderful play was not enough on script alone Cyrano is played by perhaps Australia's real favourite leading man, David Wenham. For me he walks all over your more NW friendly Heaths and Hughs and his performance here is simply outstanding. In the final scenes we feel he has become the best friend one would do anything to hold onto. Ah love! Sigh! See it.<br><br>

Melbourne Theatre Company @ Playhouse, until 2 April